US upsetted by prisoners exchange in Yemen, hurdles process: Sanaa
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A top Yemeni official confirms that the US is obstructing further prisoner swap deals between Sanaa and the Saudi-led coalition.
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Freed prisoners arrive at the Sanaa Airport after a successful prisoner swap deal Sanaa, Yemen, 14 April 2023. (Reuters)
The Head of the Prisoners' Committee in the Sanaa government, Abdul Qadir Al-Murtada, affirmed that "the Americans have been obstructing peace throughout the previous periods," adding the US is always looking to block any progress, as it seeks to plant obstacles in every negotiation round related to the prisoner file.
Al-Murtada expressed Sanaa's willingness to further expand the terms of upcoming negotiations as the next round is expected to include the release of 1,400 prisoners from both sides.
The official added that negotiations are on hold, as both sides are awaiting the formation of committees that will inspect the respective prison of each party, as previously agreed upon.
He also indicated that mercenaries are straining negotiations as they are demanding preconditions for such an inspection to take place, as the Yemeni official expressed his hope that these demands be dropped and the process be facilitated.
Furthermore, the President of the Supreme Political Council in Yemen, Mahdi Al-Mashat told UN envoy, Hans Grundberg that "Facts have proven that the United States of America and Britain are the sides obstructing all attempts to achieve peace in Yemen," on May 1.
"Whenever there is any rapprochement between Yemen and Saudi Arabia and understandings are reached, the United States of America rushes to send its ill-omened envoy to the region,” he stressed.
The top Yemeni official expanded on the US's role in funding the aggression against Yemen, its role in the blockade, and the withholding of salaries, all the way to thwarting peace efforts, which according to Al-Mashat, is clear proof that it is the side behind the Yemenis’ suffering.
"We are ready for peace as much as we are ready for war, and let the aggression choose the path it wants. We have a legitimate right to defend our country and our freedom,” he underlined.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Geneva reported that Yemeni parties signed an agreement in Bern, Switzerland to exchange prisoners and detainees in late March which included a total of 880 prisoners from Yemeni, Sudanese, and Saudi origins.
